The European Commissioner for Enlargement warns that the EU will admit only states that are strategically aligned and capable of strengthening the security of the bloc

The European Union will integrate only new member states that strengthen its security and are strategically aligned with the EU bloc, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Monday upon arriving at the meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Kos noted that security is becoming increasingly important in the enlargement process. According to her, strategic alignment includes compliance with European sanctions, cooperation in the fields of energy and infrastructure, as well as an effective contribution to the Union’s defense.

The statements also concern Serbia, which has not joined the EU sanctions against Russia. Marta Kos stressed that future members must make the Union stronger, not more vulnerable. She also insisted on respect for the rule of law, European values, and international law, especially in the Western Balkans, where, the official maintains, nationalist tendencies are re-emerging.

Last month, Kos canceled her visit to Serbia, accusing the authorities of glorifying former military leader Ratko Mladic. She also criticized plans to review the Specialist Chambers for Kosovo, the Hague tribunal that tries alleged war crimes committed by former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army during the 1998–1999 conflict.